Explain The Acorn Shape

[mso489]

I don't dislike the acorn shape. I've seen some that are a bit fetching. Still, when I look at them, I always mischievously think someone has made a fair looking pipe out of a skimpy piece of briar. They seem light weight and handy, just a little pared down at the base of the bowl, like something is missing. Are there any acorn lovers out there who can explain their virtues? I live in "The City of the Oaks," so should at least respect the shape and its name. Who besides squirrels loves the acorn?

 

[skydog]

I love the Missouri Meerschaum Cobbit Shire which is acorn shaped. I've never fallen in love with a briar acorn but appreciate the shape because of the cobbit. Similar to an apple shape, the natural curves and generally smaller size give it a natural and chummy appearance. I love a good billiard but in comparison to the softer shapes a billiard is very rigid and defined in my mind.

 

[mso489]

skydog, I like that MM pipe too. I have a number of cobs, but not that one. I guess I'm ruminating more on the briar acorns. Of course, if I had a briar acorn and it was a good smoker, I'd just shut up and enjoy it. But the appeal of the shape itself has always puzzled me.

 

[didimauw]

I've also wondered this as well ...

 

[voorhees]

This acorn is not a skimpy briar.

 

[alaskanpiper]

My one and only, a Neerup (other than a MM cobbit shire). Doesn’t seem skimpy to me!

 

[mso489]

There we go. Those are impressive. They don't typify the acorn to me, but acorns they are, and mighty fine. Some incredible birdseye on that one.

 

[Waning Embers]

Still, when I look at them, I always mischievously think someone has made a fair looking pipe out of a skimpy piece of briar.

Really?

 

[Waning Embers]

I love the Missouri Meerschaum Cobbit Shire which is acorn shaped.

(other than a MM cobbit shire)

That's odd, MM always called that shape their egg when it was in the Great Dane line.

 

[mso489]

Some of the naming of shapes is interpretive, maybe most. I had a brandy from Johs that I discovered he sold as an apple, so I go with his nomenclature.

 

[alaskanpiper]

There we go. Those are impressive. They don't typify the acorn to me, but acorns they are, and mighty fine. Some incredible birdseye on that one.

Yep, thats why I bought it. One of two pipes in my collection I bought on birdseye alone, haha.

 

[mso489]

That is birdseye to behold.

 

[alaskanpiper]

That is birdseye to behold.

Not an acorn, but if you like birdseye, this Larsen I have is the real birdseye king of my collection. Even the shank is laden with:

 

[rushx9]

I have a few pipes that I call Acorns, although I'm not sure if they fit the shape chart rules. Most are sort of odd Dublins or unlined Rhodesian-esque shapes. None have the characteristic point at the bottom but all look like an acorn without a cap. I'm curious what others would call them.

Above is my grandpa's old Kaywoodie Saxon. I dont think he liked it. It looked like it had been smoked maybe once. Below is an unfinished pipe sold as an Acorn by RNA Treasures.

And this one is kind of a small unlined Rhody, but it's so slim it kinda seems Acorny too.

 

[Waning Embers]

Some of the naming of shapes is interpretive, maybe most. I had a brandy from Johs that I discovered he sold as an apple, so I go with his nomenclature.

Much like my most recent Weaver. Listed as a billiard though brandy shaped. A Don Carlos volcano I have looks a lot like a Neerup cherrywood.

 

[Waning Embers]

But the appeal of the shape itself has always puzzled me.

That's what I've always thought about bulldogs.

 

[rushx9]

Would this be considered an Acorn or Rhodesian?

 

[Waning Embers]

Would this be considered an Acorn or Rhodesian?
View attachment 27454

Rhodesian

 

[mso489]

Here's a description of a Chacom acorn shape from SP pages that captures some love for the shape, which was kind of what I was looking for in the original post:

"A light and graceful shape here, yet one with a jaunty air and pretty decent-sized chamber...."

Actually, I kind of like the pipe they're describing, not overly spare at the base of the bowl, and lithe overall.

 

[workman]

I don't find acorns appealing. But I have realized, unfortunately and quite recently, that my views on stuff aren't universal.